Once a victim, lawyer Bushra now defends others

KABUL (Pajhwok): Now a defense lawyer, Bushra, who transformed herself from a helpless woman to a helpful citizen, says she has decided to defend women whose voices have been suppressed.

A report covering Bushra headlined ‘Standing up against a slavery form of trafficking’ was published by Pajhwok Afghan News on February 25. The report was widely reflected in the media and even some foreign journalists showed interest to interview her.

The 32-year-old after her marriage with an illiterate man in Mazar-i-Sharif raised her voice against her husband’s overt indulgence in bachabazi. Now she is providing legal assistance to Afghan victims and survivors of trafficking in persons.

She saw her husband twice in compromising position with a boy and once trying to molest a six year old girl during funeral ceremony of Bushra's two brothers who died in a car accident.

"It was beyond my imagination that her husband could continue with his deeds in this hour while I was grieving for my brothers." "I had two options, either commit suicide or raise my voice against injustice, I chose the latter."

She finally divorced from her husband with mediation of a local jirga (council) in 2011. Bushra said she relied on God and preferred separation from her husband and now she felt strong fighting against un-Islamic and inhuman acts.

Born in Mazar-i-Sharif, Bushra completed her law degree with the intent of helping the voiceless of the society.

She said she was encouraged by her story published in Pajhwok and now she had accelerated her efforts at restoring human rights, particularly of those who faced human trafficking or prostitution.

In a recent interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Bushra said, “Publishing of my life story by Pajhwok empowered me to struggle more for those who face similar problems once I faced. As a victim myself, I can feel the pains of those who are victims of human trafficking and I defend their rights.”

“Unfortunately it is a shame in Afghanistan if someone puts an end to an unwanted marital life, women who seek divorce from their husbands are dealt with contempt in the society, but I think living one day with dignity is better than years of oppression,” she said.

Bushra said positive reaction to the Pajhwok Afghan News report about her story encouraged her and she was able to secure high marks in a test held by the Afghanistan Defense Lawyers Association for 150 law graduates in Balkh province five months ago.

She obtained license from Afghanistan Defense Lawyers Association of defense lawyer and currently she works with a legal consultative association in Balkh province.

Bushra said seeing defense lawyers struggling and arguing to defend the rights of clients strengthens her resolve to rescue those in trouble.

“I received 15 cases and most of them were related to family violence in the past five months,” she added.

She said she was working on the cases and she felt good in her job. She had so far helped address two cases --- one of elopement and another about violence involving a husband.

On the other hand, Bushra’s clients appreciated her efforts. Manija, 22, was forcibly engaged to a man about five years ago and she had asked Bushra for help cancel her engagement. She said Bushra was kind and honest.

“Her clients share their problems with comfort because Bushra is a kind woman,” Manija said, adding Bushra distinguished from other defense lawyers due to her constant working in official and unofficial times for her clients.

“She contacts her clients and informs them about progress in their cases, she added.

The founder of the legal-consultative association, who wished to go unnamed, said that Bushra was a hard worker lawyer who had been able to process many cases since her duty began five months ago.

“I am proud of Bushra as a colleague because her unique character causes more families to refer their cases to this association,” he said.